Iran Calls on Muslim States to Pioneer Violence-Free World
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sent congratulatory messages to heads of Muslim countries on the advent of Ramadhan, the holiest month of the Muslim calendar, calling for united action to portray the true image of Islam and establish a world free from violence and extremism.
In separate messages to the heads of Islamic countries on Monday, President Rouhani expressed the hope that the holy month of Ramadhan would help Muslim states to strengthen bonds and promote security and calm across the Islamic community.
He also warned of moves aimed at misrepresenting Islam and jeopardizing Muslims’ peaceful coexistence with other faiths, stressing the need for “concerted efforts, rapport and solidarity” for portraying the real image of Islam, which favors peace, friendship and fraternity. “It is necessary… for us to pioneer creation of a world free from violence and extremism,” President Rouhani added.
Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marks the most special of all occasions. It is a celebration of the descent of the Word of God, the Qur’an, from Heaven to the earth.
Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the pillars of Islam. Abstaining from food and drink, and from other bodily pleasures, is a crucial element of the observation. To partake in the blessings of Ramadhan, able-bodied women and men, also girls and boys who have reached the age of religious observance, are required to fast for the duration of this month.
At the end of each fasting day, Muslims break their day-long fast with an “iftar” meal.
Ramadhan is more than abstinence from food and drink during the hours of daylight. It is a time for contemplation, devotion and remembrance of God, especially through the reading or recitation of the Qur’an.
Tending to the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community, giving to the poor -especially at the end of the month- is also important.
Intensive self-reflection and increased God-consciousness during the month of Ramadhan is meant to subdue and suppress familiar misdeeds, such as backbiting, holding grudges and telling lies.
Source: tasnimnews.com
